The ineffable mercy of Almighty God, and His kindness, which He generously pours over the human race, cannot be measured by human strength nor explained by words. It is enough to admire His plans with devoted hearts and to know that all good things depend on the remedies of His grace alone. This is proven daily. I boldly presume to say, my lord, most blessed Pope, that the present matter surpasses all past ones, which God has reserved for your times and merits. I have previously reported what was done in Aulon, what followed in Scampa, and what occurred in Lignidum. We arrived in Thessalonica; what discussions (or disputes) we had with the bishop of Thessalonica, and what was said or decided, you will learn from the live report of the bearer of these letters. However, I do not hesitate to share what should not be omitted in silence.

After many arguments, the said bishop, convinced by reason, agreed to sign the document. But because not all the bishops under his ordination were present, it was agreed and promised that, after the holy days, with one of us sent from the See of Constantinople, the bishops who are under his diocese would gather and sign the document. We believe this will be accomplished with God’s help. These were the decisions made in Thessalonica. Commended by your prayers, we arrived in Constantinople on the second day of Holy Week. Ten miles from the aforementioned city, noble and distinguished men came to meet us, among whom were the Master of Soldiers, Vitalianus, Pompeius, and Justinian, and other senators, all of whom burned with zeal for the Catholic faith and a desire to restore peace.

What more can I say? We entered the city with great joy from almost everyone. On the next day, which was Tuesday, we were presented before the most pious emperor. The whole Senate was there, and four bishops, whom the bishop of Constantinople had sent in his place, were also present at this assembly. We presented your blessed letters, which the most gracious prince received with great reverence. Things that were to be conveyed before examining the case were stated; then the case began. The most gracious emperor urged us, saying: “Meet the bishop of this city and exchange reasons with him in a peaceful manner.” We replied: “Why should we go to argue with the bishop? Our lord, the most blessed Pope Hormisdas, who sent us, did not command us to argue. Instead, we have in our hands a document which all the bishops willing to be reconciled to the Apostolic See have signed; if your Grace commands, let it be read, and if there is anything in it that is unknown or not believed to be true, let them say so, and we will show that nothing is written in this document that is outside ecclesiastical judgment. Or if they can prove it is not fitting for the Catholic religion, then the burden is on us to prove it.”

The document was read under the gaze of the prince and the Senate. We immediately added: “Let the four bishops present, representing the person of the Bishop of Constantinople, say whether these things written in the document are not contained in ecclesiastical records?” They responded that all were true. After that, we added: “Lord Emperor, both a great burden has been lifted from us by the bishops and they have done a fitting thing by telling the truth.” Immediately, the most gracious emperor said to the bishops who were present: “If these things are true, why do you not do them?” Similarly, some from the senatorial order said: “We are laymen; you say these things are true: do them, and we will follow.”

On Thursday, the Bishop of Constantinople received the document from us at the palace, and at first, he almost tried to make a letter instead of the document. But not long after many discussions, it was agreed to make a small preface and then immediately attach the document as dictated by your blessedness. The subscription was made by the same, agreeing with the document, and we have sent copies of it, both in Greek and Latin, to your Apostolate. After the document was completed, the name of Acacius was erased from the diptychs, as well as those of Fravitas, Euphemius, Macedonius, and Timothy. And this was done not only in the church where the bishop resides but also in all the churches, with great diligence and, with God’s help, we suggest it was done. Similarly, the names of Zeno and Anastasius were deleted from the diptychs.

The bishops of the various cities, as many as were found, also presented the document: and with great caution, we suggested that no bishop should communicate with us who had not first presented the document. Similarly, all the archimandrites did the same: we suggest that we also had disputes with the archimandrites, who said: “It is enough that our archbishop did it; we follow what he did.” What more can I say? After many arguments, they too, convinced by reason, presented the documents in all respects. After all these things, with God’s help, we proceeded to the church: and what joys were made for unity, and how God was blessed, what praises were offered to Blessed Peter the Apostle, and what was relayed to you, you perceive by considering the action itself, which my tongue cannot express.

Nothing followed according to the enemies’ wishes—no sedition, no bloodshed, no tumult, which the enemies had previously predicted to frighten us. Even the ecclesiastics of Constantinople, marveling and giving thanks to God, said they had never remembered such a multitude of people communicating in any past times. After these things were fulfilled, the most gracious emperor also added his letters to your blessedness, explaining the order of the events, as did the most reverend John, Bishop of the city of Constantinople. Know also that general decrees have been issued, and we believe that, with God’s favor and your holy prayers, they will soon be sent throughout all provinces. These things were done in Constantinople, and now there is discussion about the Church of Antioch; and therefore, there is still work because a suitable person has not yet been elected. Let your blessedness therefore pray more intently, so that God, who, through your prayers, restored the Church of Constantinople to the Apostolic See, may also grant a worthy person to be ordained in Antioch and unite the Churches continually. Write back to the Bishop of Constantinople. If it seems proper to your blessedness, make mention of the condemnation of Severus and those whom you named in that letter which you wrote to Second Syria through John and Sergius, the monks; let this also be given to the Emperor in your writings. If you do this, it seems necessary to me.